Winter is Coming - Game of Thrones explained

Hit HBO series Game of Thrones is based on the series of epic fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, by US author George R.R. Martin.

The series takes place on the fictional medieval continents of Westeros and Essos and follows the attempts of a series of characters to take the Iron Throne and become ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

Inspired by the War of the Roses and French historical novels, the show has attracted audiences of more than eight million with its depiction of no-holds-barred violence, epic battles and political manoeuvering.

Now in its fourth season, the show was first aired in 2011 and has since won a string of awards, including 10 Emmys.

But the epic fantasy smash-hit can now add five new furry recruits to its growing band of supporters after a litter of homeless pups were dubbed the “Game of Bones”.

Named after characters from the show, eight-week-old Terrier cross puppies Arya, Bronn, Catelyn, Joffrey and Theon were given names fit for Westeros by Dog Trust Snetterton Rehoming Centre after being handed in by their owners two weeks ago.

The pups’ unique names were given in line with their characters’ personality, according to assistant manager and Game of Thrones fan, Lindsey Arliss.

“They came in with generic names from their previous owner but we wanted to give them something a bit different, so we came up with a list of about 20 characters from the show that we could fit to the dogs,” she said.

Game of Bones - What’s in a name?

The Snetterton quintet had their names plucked from a long list of characters from the Game of Thrones universe.

Here are a few that didn’t make it - and the breeds they could be used for.

The Hound

An obvious one, perhaps, but The Hound is named for a reason. Big and strong - but with an occasional soft side - he’d be perfect as a Great Dane.

Jon Snow

The illegitimate child of Lord Eddard Stark cast out to serve on The Wall, Jon Snow knows more than most what it’s like to be looking for a home. As half noble, half commoner, he could only be a lovable mongrel.

Diminutive in stature but with one of the biggest characters on the show, Tyrion is far from a lapdog. A courageous chihuahua fits the bill.

Daenarys Targaryen

Queen of the Dragons, Daenarys Stormborn, Khaleesi - whatever you call her, Daenarys is one of the stars of the show. Her flowing blonde locks, good looks and intelligence make hers a name fit for a Golden Retriever.

“Naming the smallest one Arya was easy as she was tiny but feisty; Joffrey is needy and a mummy’s boy; Bronn is the biggest; Catelyn tends to sit back and watch the others; and Theon has gone back to his family now.”

In keeping with the show’s tendency for shocking plot twists, the five pups were handed in after making a surprise arrival as an accidental litter.

But Kate Brewster, Supporter Relations Officer, said it was unlikely they would be hanging around for long.

“This delightful litter of puppies are all in good health and we have no doubt that they’ll be snapped up soon,” she said.

Theon Greyjoy, played by Lily Allen's brother, Alfie, for whom one of the Snetterton dogs was named

“They are all definitely little Terriers and have quite feisty natures and are into everything at the moment, especially people when they visit them.

“They seem to be particularly fixated on feet and their fluffy toys. Thankfully the destructiveness is limited to the latter and feet are just a source of fascination, especially if they’re in a pair of laced up boots.”

The pups are looking for homes with children over four-years-old and ideally with experienced Terrier owners.

If you would like to find out more about any of the puppies please visit the team at Dogs Trust Snetterton, North End Road, Snetterton, NR16 2LD, or call them on 01953 498 377.

Arya was one of the names picked by Dogs Trust Snetterton for its litter of pups